As part of the project "Play It! – Strengthening Cooperation in the Music Industry", implemented by the World Music Association of Serbia (WMAS) with the support of the UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD), the conference "Strategic Directions and Priorities for the Development of the Music Industry in Serbia" will be held in Niš on 19 July 2026, from 12:30 to 15:00.

The conference will bring together representatives of the music sector, festival organizers, musicians, producers, managers, representatives of public institutions, and media professionals to exchange knowledge, experiences, and ideas for strengthening and advancing Serbia's music industry.

Attendance is possible upon prior registration by email at mics.rs.office@gmail.com, as the number of seats is limited. All presentations will be recorded and made available after the conference on the Play It! project website.

PROGRAMME

12:30–12:45

Maša Vukanović

Play It! – Research as a Foundation for the Development of the Music Industry

The presentation will introduce the key findings of the research conducted within the Play It! project, with a particular focus on the position of young and emerging musicians in Serbia. It will highlight the sector's main challenges while presenting the opportunities offered by the Play It! digital platform for networking and professional development.

12:45–13:00

Oliver Đorđević

From Cooperation to Sustainability – Strengthening the Music Sector

This presentation will focus on the importance of professional networking, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable funding models. Special attention will be given to national and international funding opportunities and to strengthening the capacities of organizations and individual professionals.

13:00–13:15

Marija Vitas

How to Tell the Story of Music

The session will explore the role of media, public relations, and social media in building a successful music career, emphasizing audience engagement and the development of a recognizable artistic identity.

13:15–13:30

Bojan Đorđević

Professional Relationships as the Foundation of a Successful Music Career

Using practical examples, participants will gain insight into the importance of professional communication, clear agreements, mutual trust, and the fundamentals of contractual relationships within the music industry.

13:30–13:45

Dejan Ilijić (Eyot)

From the First Rehearsal to International Festivals

Drawing on the experience of the band Eyot, this presentation will discuss the challenges of developing an authentic artistic identity, building a sustainable career, and performing on the international stage.

13:45–14:00

Ivan Blagojević

Music Festivals and Public Policies – Time for Systemic Solutions

The presentation will examine the role of music festivals in the cultural, tourism, and economic development of local communities, highlighting the need for sustainable public support mechanisms for the festival sector.

14:00–14:15

Dejan Šobot

Life Behind the Stage – The Invisible Side of the Music Industry

This session will focus on the work of technical and production teams whose expertise is essential for organizing concerts and festivals, while highlighting professions that often remain invisible to the public.

14:15–14:30

Darko Konstantinović (Art krug)

The Jagodina Music Archive – How a Local Story Becomes Lasting Cultural Heritage

The presentation will showcase the Jagodina Music Archive as an example of successful documentation and digital preservation of local musical heritage through collaboration with musicians and the local community.

14:30–14:50

Miloš Prikić

Play It! – Digital Infrastructure for the Music Community

The presentation will introduce the Play It! platform as a digital space for networking, information exchange, and professional development, while exploring the role of modern technologies in strengthening collaboration and increasing the visibility of the music sector.

14:50–15:00

Closing Remarks

A summary of the conference's key conclusions and recommendations for further strengthening cooperation and supporting the sustainable development of Serbia's music industry.

LINKS:

Play It! >>  ǀ  WMAS >>  ǀ